Stephen StaffordSouth of England
BBCParents have laid shoes outside council offices as part of a protest about “failed or forgotten” children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
The Every Pair Tells a Story event is the latest campaign by the Send Sanctuary UK group, set up by a mother of Send children from Waterlooville in Hampshire.
Aimee Bradley urged the government and local authorities to “really listen to parents” and called for better funding and reform of Send provision.
The Department for Education said it was “determined” to “deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage”.
The shoes – laid at council offices across England – have photos and notes of personal stories attached.
They are intended to symbolise children who want to learn, play and be included but get left behind because of their complex needs, the campaigners said.
Ms Bradley, who has three Send children, said: “It’s devastating to hear each and every one of their stories”.
“I’m so proud that actually now they’re going to be told so people can see what they live with every single day,” she said.
“What I want from this is [that] the government and local authorities to be accountable and I want them to really listen to parents … instead of making decisions without involving us,” she said.
Carmen McConnell organised the protest at County Hall in Dorchester, Dorset.
Her seven-year-old daughter is awaiting a placement at a specialist school,
“It’s changed our lives quite dramatically as I have to be at home for her. It’s very much out of our control.
“Most of it boils down to funding – we know the council doesn’t have as much money as it needs, so that links back to the government.”
Speaking at the protest gathering in Oxford, Amy Webb who is currently looking for a place in a specialist secondary school for her daughter, said: “There aren’t enough specialist schools for these children.
“Those that are there, are so, so oversubscribed.”
“Something has got to change – otherwise you’ll end up with a generation of children that are failed and parents that are beyond burnt out.”
Marie Llewellyn at the protest at West Berkshire Council offices in Newbury said there was currently a “dire situation” for Send children and their families.
“All we are faced with is barriers.”
“We’re going to continue to use our voices as parents – we have to make a change for our children and future generations.”
Monday’s campaign follows a rally entitled Fight for Ordinary rally on 15 September at Parliament Square in London, which more than 800 parents, carers and young people attended.
Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people said there was a “national crisis” over Send provision.
“We’re calling for clarity on funding and long-term sustainable reforms to ensure we have a system fit for purpose that will meet the needs of every Send child and young person wherever they live, and whatever their individual needs,” he added.
Last month the government announced it was delaying reforms to the Send system and other policy proposals for schools in England until next year.
The Department for Education said it had already carried out more than 100 “listening sessions” with families.
“This government inherited a SEND system on its knees, with thousands of families struggling to secure the right support.
“We’re determined to put that right and deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage.”
